Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve upon your smile. Whether your teeth are chipped, slightly gapped, or dull and stained, porcelain veneers can give you the beautiful, white smile that you’ve always wanted.

While these cosmetic restorations are highly durable, they are not without enemies. By learning about some of the most common, you can take steps to keep your veneers safe.

Abrasive Toothpaste

Veneers are highly resistant to stains, as their coating doesn’t allow food or liquid to cling to them or penetrate into the porcelain. 

Unfortunately, this coating is able to be damaged if it is exposed to toothpastes that are especially abrasive. With normal toothpaste, veneers should be able to withstand about 11 years of brushing, but you should be sure to steer clear of whitening pastes.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

Do you have a tendency to use your teeth to open packages, chew on pens, or chomp on ice? This is all bad news for veneers, as they are only designed for chewing food. Biting down on non-food items can cause damage, so you should be sure to avoid these activities.

Teeth Grinding

Possibly the biggest threat to veneers, grinding can seriously damage them and cause early failure. This is a major concern since many people who get veneers do so in order to correct damage that originally resulted from bruxism. Consider wearing a bite guard at night in order to prevent this problem.

Cavities

Just because veneers are made from durable porcelain doesn’t mean that decay and cavities are no longer a possibility. Veneers don’t completely surround or protect your teeth, so you’ll still need to brush them properly and visit the dentist regularly in order to make sure they are properly cleaned. Taking these steps can ensure that your veneers have a long and happy life inside of your mouth.